AN estate agent has been fined more than £3,000 after admitting to displaying illegal advertising.

Saxons failed to get planning permission from Colchester Council to display a ‘to let’ sign at flats in Hythe Hill.

The company had previously denied accusations made by the authority they were using unauthorised advertising during a hearing in April.

Three other estate agents were also present during the hearing and admitted to similar breaches.

But Saxons admitted the breaches at Colchester Magistrates’ Court last week.

Magistrates ordered the company to pay £3,047.90, including a £1,000 fine.

Mark Cory, portfolio holder for resources at Colchester Council, said: “The unsightly proliferation of illegal advertising signs creates a visual blight on our environment, which affects everyone’s quality of life.

“We hope that bringing this case will serve as both a deterrent and a reminder to estate agents to think twice before leaving unnecessary signs up at properties or on public land for which they have no permission.”